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Picos '88 Summary
With the completion of work in Pozo de Cuetalbo (M2) during the previous Summer, York and SEII, joined by SEG, returned to Vega Huerta with aims:
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To continue the exploration of Pozo de Llastrale (β3) if snow levels in the entrance permitted. This had been explored to a depth of 250 m in 1987.
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To look for new entrances.
As well as many smaller finds, a major new cave, Pozo de la Garita Cimera (β47) was discovered.
Pozo del Llastral
(β3)
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Pozo de la Garita Cimera (β47)
Pozo de la Garita Cimera (β47) is a beautiful, relatively comfortable cave, except for its final part. The verticals' enthusiast will enjoy the clean, dry shafts, particularly the P50 and P85. The first 300 m depth can be characterised as a pitch-ramp series (typical of the Picos), broken by a narrow rift at 180 m (Baby Bouncer) and a break down area at 185 m depth (Sala de los Bloques Impresentables).
From the base of the P85, the cave becomes predominantly horizontal with narrow passages and awkward, short, sloping pitches. At the limit of exploration, a pitch estimated a 50 m depth awaits.
Minor Finds
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Most notable among the minor finds was O La Merienda de Negros (a37). Much effort was expended by members of SEG in exploring this cave to a depth of 46 m. Other caves, explored predominantly by SEG include a24, a25, a31, a34, a35, a35bis, a36, a38, a39, a40, a45, a46, a47, a48, a68, a69, b7, b8, b25, b26-38-39, b36, b42, and Pozo de la Forcadona.
UK Contingent
| Mike Edgington | Chris Gibson | ||
| Henry Hill | Simon Mann | David Milne |
Bibliography
Kaos de Bloques, Dec 1989, No 3, SEG in Spanish.
"Beneath Vega Huerta"; Y.U.C.P.C. Picos '89 Expedition, Caves & Caving 49, Paul Thorlby (YUCPC) in English.